What type of sign is Hegar's sign associated with pregnancy?

Hegar's sign is classified as a probable sign of pregnancy. This sign refers specifically to the softening of the lower uterine segment, which can be identified during a physical examination, typically around the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy. It is an indication that the body is undergoing physiological changes due to pregnancy, though it is not definitive. Probable signs of pregnancy include symptoms or physical changes that may suggest pregnancy but are not conclusive on their own; they require further confirmation through additional signs or tests.

Understanding this classification helps in differentiating between various signs of pregnancy: presumptive signs are subjective and experienced by the patient, like missed periods or nausea; positive signs are objective and confirm pregnancy, like the detection of fetal heartbeat or visualization of the embryo on an ultrasound. Hegar's sign fits squarely as a probable sign, ultimately suggesting the likelihood of pregnancy while still needing confirmation through more definitive signs.